Throwing Keys

We noticed after a few weeks of being here that not many people throw things to each other. The Rwandans would just stare as I threw something to Julianna across the room or out the door in a hurry. In fact, nobody here throws much of anything at all. An exchange that could be simplified a great deal by a simple lighthearted, underhanded flip of the wrist is avoided and instead almost everything is handed directly from hand to hand with minimal airtime.

I found out why after telling the receptionist to throw me his keys over and over and seeing his face fill with confusion, refusing to do it. He, in broken English, explained that in the act of throwing, the thrower is allegedly treating the catcher as if he were a dog (sadly nobody likes dogs here). Thus, a great disrespect is implied when you toss something to someone. Instead, a respectful exchange is completed by extending the right arm, object in hand, and handing it to the recipient while simultaneously touching your left hand to your right forearm. This is how you give something to someone with respect.